The Ladies were at home to Kendal Wattsfield, who they had knocked out of the cup the week before and they received a welcome boost with Faye available, having been stretchered off the previous week.
KW started strongly, without causing too much problem and for the first 5 minutes or so, the ball became encamped on their right wing, just inside the Newlaithes half as repeated throw-ins were kicked back into touch. Newlaithes began to pressure the KW defence and Emma was unlucky when on several occasions, she looked like she had broken free only for the ball to run unkindly. The pitch was firm and the extra bounce caused problems for both teams. Pat, Emma, Laura W, Stacey and KT O all came close before Katie O scored the opener in the 36th minute. The ball came across awkwardly from the right and Katie knocked it up into the air before thumping a spectacular volley into the back of the net from just inside the box. KW tried to attack on the counter but any danger was snuffed out by the home defence. Sarah was running the show in midfield and is looking stronger with each game. KW came close just before half time but Newlaithes went into the break with a deserved lead.
Newlaithes started the 2nd half in similar fashion and Faye was unlucky when she smashed the ball against the bar having shaken off the close attention of the marking defenders. However KW drew level in the 49th minute. A wall of three defenders stood and watched as the ball bounced in front of them. 'After you...' came the invitation which allowed the KW striker space and time to lob the defenders and Katie M with a neat finish from just inside the box. Newlaithes started to lose their shape as KW began to get more success beating the off-side trap and Katie M was forced into action to keep Newlaithes in the game, particularly with a good diving save to her left. Newlaithes were conceding too much space in midfield and lost possession when in good positions as passes went astray and clearances were mis-kicked. As the match progressed, both teams began to look scrappy which led to half chances at both ends although KW were still looking slightly sharper. In the 85th minute a sliced Newlaithes clearance resulted in a corner on the right. The ball sailed across and was bundled into the net from 2 yards off the back of a KW forward. Newlaithes seemed to wake up and clicked back into gear. Four minutes later, Pat layed the ball up to Faye on the edge of the box. Laura W made a great run off the ball to the right but Faye turned the defenders then cut back inside to smash the ball home with her left foot. Final score 2-2.
Definitely a game of two halves - Newlaithes had the best of the first half but struggled to retain possession in the 2nd as they lost their composure. All credit to KW for fighting back and in the end the draw was a fair result.
Katie M made some good saves in goals and Jade was also outstanding in defence with Pat, Katie O and Laura W looking sharp in attack. Special mention to Faye for another battering ram performance up front and so soon after a bad injury but player of the match was Sarah for yet another composed and creative performance in midfield.
Next week the Ladies are at home to Harraby in the cup semi-final. Good luck ladies!!!!!
